Category:Artists

The category of Artists is intended to provide a space for information about specific artists, whether currently practicing or of the past, whose work is Baha'i-related. The two basic categories of arts below are based on 'Abdu'l-Baha's distinction between vocations that are oriented more toward the divine or worldly, material or spiritual.(1) The recent term, "Seraffic Arts," includes art forms referred to in traditional Western literature as "fine arts,” but is a broader, more inclusive category intended to acknowledge art forms from around the world. The distinction is that while Seraffic Arts address themselves primarily to the human spirit, Seraffo-donnic Arts address themselves simultaneously to the human spirit and to human needs on a worldly plane.

The Seraffo-donnic Arts include both design arts and crafts. The nature of their service is double. For example, temples are both uplifting to the spirit in their design and provide a physical space to congregate. Pottery can be both pleasing to the eye and provides vessels for liquids or plants.

(1) In this new century the attainment of science, arts and belles lettres, whether divine or worldly, material or spiritual, is a matter which is acceptable before God and a duty which is incumbent upon us to accomplish." Bahá'í World Faith, p. 377.